Eastport

Eastport is a distinctive pocket in North Jacksonville, offering wide-open spaces, industrial accessibility, and a setting that appeals to buyers seeking land, affordability, and proximity to both water and major roadways. Situated just off Zoo Parkway and close to Interstate 295, Eastport is strategically placed between the commercial shipping routes of the St. Johns River and the emerging residential growth seen throughout the Northside.

This neighborhood isn’t defined by manicured developments or master-planned communities; rather, it reflects a raw, utilitarian spirit that appeals to homeowners who want space to build, expand, or personalize their living environment. From older homesteads to custom-built properties with acreage, Eastport homes for sale often include more land than buyers find in denser areas of Jacksonville. It's a community where boats, workshops, and private gardens feel right at home.

 

Just minutes south is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, a local favorite that offers amazing animal exhibits, interactive experiences, and lush landscapes perfect for weekend adventures. It's one of the most popular attractions in the region and a great way to enjoy time outdoors without leaving the city.

One of the most unique and unforgettable destinations nearby is Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. This nonprofit sanctuary provides a permanent home for rescued big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars. Visitors can take guided daytime tours or attend evening feedings when the sanctuary’s residents become more active. It's an eye-opening, up-close experience just a few miles from home.

To the northwest, River City Marketplace provides more than just shopping. The expansive center also includes a movie theater, seasonal events, and casual restaurants, making it a hub for locals who want entertainment without a downtown commute. It's an easy stop on a weekday evening or the perfect base for running errands and grabbing lunch on the weekend.

 

Eastport is part of the Duval County Public Schools system. Depending on the exact location within the neighborhood, students may be zoned to San Mateo Elementary School, Oceanway Middle School, and First Coast High School. These schools serve a large portion of Jacksonville’s Northside and reflect the district's broader approach to traditional education models.

Nearby, higher education options include Florida State College at Jacksonville’s North Campus, which is located just 15 minutes west of Eastport. This campus offers associate degrees, workforce certifications, and continuing education opportunities for residents looking to expand their academic or professional skills.

 

The green space around Eastport is quiet, sprawling, and largely tied to the area's riverfront and industrial past. One of the closest destinations is the 385-acre William F. Sheffield Regional Park, which includes open fields, fishing ponds, walking trails, a new tennis court, a playground, and picnic pavilions.

About 10 minutes from Eastport, North Shore Park sits along the Trout River and provides access to a boat ramp, shaded picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. It's a convenient location for launching small watercraft or simply enjoying a waterside lunch on a sunny day.

One of the most remarkable outdoor destinations nearby is Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. Just a short drive northeast of Eastport, this expansive park includes unspoiled wilderness, offering a true escape into Florida’s coastal uplands and marsh ecosystems. It’s a hidden gem for those who value space, solitude, and scenic views.

The park features kayaking routes and a network of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. These sandy paths wind through pine flatwoods, tidal creeks, and hammocks, giving explorers a chance to experience a range of North Florida landscapes in one outing. This proximity to such an expansive natural preserve is a major reason why Eastport homes for sale are attractive to buyers who want not just a house but a lifestyle rooted in access to land, water, and wild beauty.

 

Eastport is bordered by the Broward River, the St. Johns River, and Dunn Creek. Residents can access several public boat ramps within the region, which provide convenient launching points for fishing, kayaking, and boating adventures.

Because of its premier location along the tidal and inland waterways, Eastport also draws anglers and waterfowl hunters during seasonal months. These opportunities to enjoy quiet, uncrowded water access are part of the alluring lifestyle that appeals to those purchasing a home for sale in Eastport. Whether you're navigating through the creeks or setting out toward the St. Johns River, this is a place where water excursions are more than just weekend plans — they're everyday options.

 

Dining near Eastport provides a mix of laid-back local spots and flavorful destinations that residents come to rely on for both convenience and comfort. One standout nearby is Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant, which is located to the north of Eastport. Known for its hibachi-style dining and fresh sushi rolls, Nagasaki delivers a lively and flavorful experience.

La Catrina Tacos & Tequila Bar is another favorite, offering bold Mexican fare and a colorful, festive interior. From street-style tacos to specialty tequila cocktails, this spot is equally suited for a casual weeknight dinner or an energetic evening out.

In addition to these favorites, residents of Eastport are within reach of Jacksonville’s broader culinary landscape. Downtown and Springfield’s restaurant scenes are only a short drive away, making it easy to enjoy upscale dining and creative menus when the mood strikes.

 

Eastport’s shopping scene is driven by proximity to River City Marketplace, one of Jacksonville’s most prominent open-air shopping centers. Located just off I-95, this expansive complex includes national retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Ashley Furniture, Ross, and Lowe’s, as well as casual dining chains and coffee shops. It handles everyday needs efficiently and makes one-stop errands a breeze.

For those looking for a broader or more boutique retail experience, downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns Town Center are about 20 minutes away. For buyers exploring Eastport homes for sale, this combination of convenience and room to grow adds value beyond what newer, denser developments can provide.

 

Eastport homes for sale include a wide variety of property types, many of which are larger than what you’ll find in more centralized neighborhoods. The area features ranch-style homes, custom-built estates, and properties with agricultural zoning on multiple acres. This is a part of Jacksonville where you can park a boat, build a workshop, raise animals, or create the homestead you've always envisioned.

Architectural styles vary, but common features include spacious front yards, detached garages or barns, and fenced acreage. Many properties have incredible water views, while others back up to forested land or wide, open lots. Because of its size and spacing, Eastport also offers opportunities for new construction and vacant land purchases — ideal for buyers who want to build from the ground up. Eastport homes for sale continue to attract attention from buyers seeking value and flexibility in a growing section of Jacksonville.